Colleen Collier Jansen

Colleen Collier Jansen, born on March 17, 1943, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida, on August 17, 2025.

Colleen was the daughter of Eugene Glen Collier and Helen Sharpe Collier, and grew up in her parents' hometown of Norwich, New York. After graduating from Norwich High School, she attended SUNY Potsdam. Though illness interrupted her studies and brought her back to Norwich, Colleen settled there, eventually marrying and raising her two daughters, Beth and Ann Christman. A woman of remarkable determination, Colleen returned to her university studies while her daughters were still in high school. She fulfilled one of her lifelong goals by completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics at SUNY Oneonta in 1983.

In that year, Colleen moved from Norwich to Indianapolis, where she met the love of her life, Joseph F. Jansen. Colleen and Joe were married on September 6, 1986, and blended their families: her two daughters and his six children.

Colleen was adventurous and full of life, always eager to discover new places and create lasting memories. She had a great love for travel, whether skiing the mountains of Austria or sailing the turquoise waters of the South Pacific. From his travelogue of their 1995 sailing excursion in the British Virgin Islands, Joe recounted: "The trip from Sandy Cay to Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda was a beat into the prevailing winds. It was rough riding, with waves at three to four feet. We passed Guana Island, Great Camanoe, Beef Island, and Marina Cay on the way over. Colleen handled the helm of the Beneteau 445 like the pro that she is."

As much as she loved skiing and sailing, Colleen also enjoyed snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and she was an avid golfer. Her fun-loving and competitive spirit shone in everything she did. She was a wonderful conversationalist who deeply valued connections, and she maintained close ties with friends from all stages of her life.

Following her retirement, she and Joe relocated to Fort Myers, where they enjoyed a fulfilling chapter of their life together. Colleen was active with the Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers, where she devoted her time to organizing and distributing food to families in need. Colleen's volunteerism reflected her generous spirit, her deep commitment to serving others, and her strong belief in the importance of community care.

As part of her legacy, Colleen established a scholarship at her alma mater, SUNY Oneonta. In appreciation of the opportunities afforded her in returning to university as an adult student with young children, she established the Colleen Christman Jansen '83 Scholarship at SUNY Oneonta. This scholarship supports students who are returning to college to complete their studies. This lasting legacy reflects her spirit and commitment to personal growth.

Colleen is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph F. Jansen, and her two daughters, Beth Christman and Ann Christman. Colleen also leaves behind Joe's six children, Joe (Jill) Jansen, Jr., John (Ann) Jansen, Mike (Beth) Jansen, Cathy (John) Elzinga, David Jansen, and Steve (Kim) Jansen; her beloved sisters, Elaine (Tom) O'Haver and Connie (Scott) Peer; and her sister-in-law, Susan Riggs Collier. Her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren will miss her presence. She was predeceased by her brother, Glen Thomas Collier, and by her sister, Carolyn Collier Fierro.

Colleen will be missed deeply. She will be remembered by all who were enriched by her vibrant presence, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering devotion to family, friendship, and lifelong learning.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Colleen in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Northside Events & Social Club, 2100 East 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. A Catholic mass will be offered from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with a gathering to follow where friends and family are welcome to share and celebrate their memories of Colleen's life.

For Colleen's community of friends in South Florida, a Celebration of Life will also be hosted in her honor on January 17, 2026, at the clubhouse of the Lexington Country Club (16257 Willowcrest Way, Fort Myers, FL) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Both celebrations will offer refreshments and an open mic for friends to share stories and tributes.

To honor Colleen's life, charitable donations can be made to The Colleen Christman Jansen '83 Scholarship at SUNY Oneonta (bit.ly/Colleen_SUNY_Scholarship) or in her name to the Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers (gladiolusfoodpantry.org/donate).